Closing Out 2024

We did our annual Christmas tree hunt with only 3 kids this year and Tilly.  It was a warmer day so we didn't need to wear heavy coats, or any coat at all.

Mike took the first cut...

...then George...

...followed by Mary...

...and ending with Cecilia.

It took a couple of days but this is what it looks like all gussied up.

For the Spanish song at the St. Pat's Christmas Concert, Mary had to dress up as a sheep.  I think I did a pretty good job on the costume with only a weeks notice, don't you agree>

One morning, I came out to find Tilly pampering herself on my small pillow.

The 3rd and 4th graders formed a choir and sang at Lessons & Carols as well one of the Christmas Eve Masses.  Mary was excited to sing like the rest of the family.

Becca took a ceramics class this past semester and made some beautiful things.  

These fairy bookends are my favorites.

I was so busy having fun with family, I did not take many useable pictures but I have a few.

We ended the year with Patrick turning 19.  He loves having his picture taken!

I can't say I'm sorry to see 2024 end but it had it's own blessings to share with us.  I'm hoping 2025 is filled with love, forgiveness, unity, and peace for all of you.

November and a Pinch of December

 

We begin November with 2 birthdays.  This year Becca is 17 and Cecilia is 12.  Sharing birthday can't be easy but the girls are great about taking turns.

Mary and I had the pleasure of watching the girls swim team win sections for the 2nd time in row.  Mary is sitting right next to the glass in the balcony.

Waiting for the announcement...

...and hearing that they won.

We need a selfie.

More middle school girls basketball for Cecilia.

I checked in on Mary one night to see that she had built a little pillow house for herself to sleep in.

Patrick got to enjoy some middle school basketball as well last week when he as home for Thanksgiving.  I asked if the place seems smaller and he said yes.

The big news this week is that Becca passed her Eagle Board of Review!  We don't have a date for the ceremony yet but we are extremely proud of her.

I'm sure the next post will be about the Christmas season.  We continue to pray for all of you and hope you do the same for us.

October 2024

Mike is still coaching soccer for the kids but only Mary is still playing. 

Fall also means XC and girls basketball overlap.  After a tournament at St. Vincent's we attended Mass.  I love the wood Stations of the Cross above the stained class windows.

Speaking of basketball...

Mary was missing Patrick so she made her own dorm room in the laundry basket.

Becca went to another high school Homecoming dance with her friend.

George also MC'ed a Court of Honor for Scouts as part of his Communication merit badge requirements.

Yes, he needs a hair cut.

Patrick got a long weekend off of college so he came home.  This picture was taken right after Mary flung herself across the room at him.

The 3rd grade does a biography project every year and Mary elected to be Susan B. Anthony.

What October would be complete without Halloween.  Mike went at the Dread Pirate McRoberts.

Mary is a zombie cheerleader and Becca and her friend are Perry the Platypus and Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

That's it for October.  I'll be back soon with November.

August and September

In late August we had to say good bye to the old swing set.  It had done more than its fair share of serves to the family.  The back yard still looks kinda weird. 

Patrick is exploring the wonderful world of college at Benedictine.  He was kind enough to send me a picture of him in his beanie.  He calls about once a week to chat and help Mary missing him a little less.

I turned 46 this September and got one of the best presents ever from Mary.  She wrote this on my classroom board.

Cecilia also started her 2nd XC season.  Here are some pictures of her running by.

Mary enjoys the meets because she gets to hang out with the other little siblings.

George is taking a welding class this semester and he brought this home after a few weeks.  Its not perfect but I think its pretty good for a beginner.

Last Friday, Cecilia made her cantor debut at St. Pat's school Mass.  She did great!

Mary also read a petition that morning.

Last Sunday, I was "attacked" by an inanimate sign at a Cub Scout meeting.  Despite the amount of blood, it wasn't too bad.

This is Homecoming week at WCHS and Becca was asked to go with a boy!

Cecilia also started her basketball season this week.  It was fun to see the 8th grade girls braiding each others hair while they watched the younger girls play.

I watched the parade on Friday .  This is the Junior float which Becca assured us was the best.

Three of the middle schools in town joined forces to make one "marching" band.  I used quotations because they were at best walking, no on the beat.  You can see Cecilia in the green shirt behind the other trombone in a green shirt.

Mike and Mary walked with the Cub Scouts again this year.

The St. Pat's band is small but mighty.

Tonight is the dance.  Becca was meeting her date and friends so I just took some pictures of her all dressed up.  And of course Mary wanted to join in.